IN THE remote hinterlands of Sitio Laslasakan, Talaingod, hope is being written with paper and pencil.
Fresh off the global observance of International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, military officers, local officials, and educators trekked to Barangay Palma Gil on Monday, Aug. 10, bringing with them a promise: that education, not strife, will define the future of Talaingod’s indigenous youth.
Through the launch of the Mediator PAGLAUM Program —anchored on the theme “Papel ug Lapis: Dalan sa Kalinaw ug Kalamboan (Paper and Pencil: Pathway to Peace and Development)”—the community witnessed the official turnover of critical infrastructure built to nurture a new generation of learners.
Bringing light and knowledge to GIDAs
For 50 initial indigenous learners under the Alternative Learning System (ALS), the initiative brings immediate, tangible changes to daily life in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs).
To support the community, partner agencies unveiled four key installations during the launch:
- Balay sa Kinaadman (House of Wisdom): A dedicated learning sanctuary for indigenous students and ALS implementers.
- Mediator Mobile Library: A tech-enabled unit equipped with internet connectivity to bridge the digital divide for mountain learners.
- Community Water System & Solar Electrification: Providing clean water and off-grid solar lighting so students can study safely after dark.
- Beyond physical infrastructure, the initiative integrates a Comprehensive Capacity Building Program for ALS implementers, complemented by character building, values formation, and cultural sensitivity training specifically tailored to honor indigenous heritage.
Whole-of-nation approach in action
Hosted by LTCOL Jesus L. Rosete, commanding officer of the 60th Infantry Battalion, the launch highlighted a multi-sectoral convergence to combat regional illiteracy and foster peace.
The program brings together the Department of Education (DepEd), the Provincial Government of Davao del Norte, the Municipal Government of Talaingod, security forces, civil society groups, and tribal leaders under the government’s Whole-of-Nation Approach.
Present during the ceremony were Talaingod Municipal Mayor Jonnie A. Libayao; Dr. Rebonfamil R. Baguio, Assistant Regional Director and Concurrent OIC of the DepEd Schools Division of Davao del Norte; Mr. Arnel Labasan, Public Schools District Supervisor; and Ms. Jacqueline B. De Asis, Head of PDC-Balay Kalinaw.
Military and police officials in attendance included CPT Jefte A. Abbe (representing 1003rd Infantry Brigade Commander BGEN Christopher M. Diaz); LTC Ernest D. Carolina, Commanding Officer of the 10th Civil-Military Operations Battalion; and PMAJ Jessery Laroa, Chief of Police of Talaingod MPS (representing Provincial Director PCOL Glenn G. Cristines).
The provincial government was represented by Provincial Administrator Atty. Ralph Dela Cruz, on behalf of Governor Edwin I. Jubahib, alongside representatives for Vice Governor Clarice T. Jubahib.
Coming a day after International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, organizers stressed that the Mediator PAGLAUM launch transforms formal recognition into concrete action—investing directly in indigenous youth, preserving their culture, and laying the groundwork for sustainable development in Talaingod.
“At its core, Mediator PAGLAUM is about winning the youth by earning their trust, nurturing their dreams, expanding their opportunities, and empowering them to shape their future. Through education, we nurture a generation of builders of peace, champions of education, catalysts for development, protectors of truth, responsible citizens, and servant leaders.”
“Papel ug lapis karon. Kahibalo ug kahanas ugma. Mas hayag nga kaugmaon sa um aabot, “the military command said.
Education opens opportunities. Partnership transforms lives. Winning the youth secures the future. Together, we build lasting peace and sustainable development.
